Guidance for F-1 Student applying
for a US Social Security Number (SSN)
Note: This guidance is F-1 students who do not have an employment
authorization document (EAD) or are not authorized for curricular
practical training (CPT). If you have either an EAD or are authorized
for CPT, you should not follow this guidance - see detailed Social
Security Administration instructions at:
http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203470!opendocument
ITEMS a student should bring with to the local
Social Security Office to obtain a SSN:
 SEVIS Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility
for Nonimmigrant (F-1)Student
 Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record)
 Proper Identification [for example, your
passport to show SSA your age]
 Letter from Designated School Official
regarding employment [Printed on
college/university letterhead]
 Letter from employer [Printed on the
employer’s letterhead]
The student should ask for an “Acknowledgment Letter” from the Social
Security Administration office while they are there applying for a social
security number. This dated letter confirms that SSA has received an
application for an SSN. An F-1 student can show this letter to an employer
as proof that they have filed for an SSN.